Backtrack

As recently as yesterday, it appeared all but assured that Michigan would take a running back in the 2014 class, whether it be Jeff Jones or newly offered Marlon Mack or perhaps a reinterested Kalen Ballage.

As of now, the reasoning behind this shift from the coaching staff is unclear. There's an optimistic take out there, though; Doug Nussmeier visited 2015 RB commit Damien Harris last week in the midst of rampant speculation—including from his fellow commits—that a decommitment was on the horizon. Harris has been quiet of late; it's possible that Nussmeier felt more comfortable with Harris' status—and Michigan's depth chart at RB—after the visit and felt a scholarship could be better used at another position (or in the 2015 class). It may also help Harris' commitment status if he's reassured that there won't be extra competition from a running back in the class ahead of him.

It appears it's Malik McDowell or bust to round out the 2014 class; given the needs already filled and the small projected class size for 2015, banking a scholarship or two isn't a bad idea, even if it means a less exciting Signing Day (again) this year. For what it's worth, while Sam Webb continues to be optimistic that McDowell will stay close to home, at least one reliable Florida State insider likes their chances after McDowell took his official to Tallahassee last weekend.

[Hit THE JUMP for info on Michigan's two most recent 2015 offers, the final Rivals 100, the DetNews Blue Chip list, and more.]

Two More 2015 Offers

Michigan offered a pair of touted 2015 prospects over the weekend. Four-star Tampa (FL) Plant OT Jake Fruhmorgen (Hudl highlights) already held offers from a who's-who of college football powerhouses—including Alabama, where his father John starred on the O-line—before the Wolverines came through with one, but Michigan has some connections of their own and should be in the thick of his recruitment, per Steve Lorenz ($):

"Michigan is a school I know he was excited to get an offer from," [John] Fruhmorgen said. "It's always been a school he's followed since he was a kid. I used to coach (former Michigan kicker) Jay Feely and we've also had a relationship with (former Michigan kicker) Garrett Rivas as well, as he coaches at a school we're familiar with at Berkeley Prep. When he was younger, Rivas was one of Jake's favorite players, so Michigan has always been there in his mind."

The elder Fruhmorgen said he's "very confident" Michigan will receive a visit. Right now he's still in the evaluation stage, not naming any leaders, and while there's plenty of competition the Wolverines should be firmly in the mix to land him.

Final 2014 Rivals100, DetNews Blue Chip Rankings Released

The finalized Rivals100 is out for the class of 2014 and just two Michigan commits made the cut: Jabrill Peppers dropped from #2 to #3 (#1 CB) and Mason Cole moved up from #129 to #92 (#12 OT). Malik McDowell earned a fifth star in the final rankings, climbing to #26 overall, and Josh Helmholdt explained the reasoning behind the bump:

"When McDowell first burst onto the scene as a sophomore, it appeared the sky was the limit. Here was a kid 6-foot-6, 290 pounds running a sub-5.0 40 and he was dominating older Division I offensive line prospects. But McDowell did not progress during that first year and a half," said Rivals.com Midwest Analyst Josh Helmholdt. "It wasn't until his senior season that he started to realize his own potential and played to it, and by the time he arrived at the Army Bowl, he had solidified himself as elite defensive linemen."

Meanwhile, Drake Harris earned the nod for the #1 spot in the annual Detroit News Blue Chip list, enraging scorned Spartans who don't understand that the list is a projection of how good these prospects will be in college, not a redundant all-state team. McDowell is third, followed by his fellow Southfield lineman, Lawrence Marshall. At #9, Moe Ways rounds out the Michigan pledges on the list.

As of right now, I don't think there is anything to worry about McCray. Ryan, Morgan and Beyer (who is probably playing SDE next season) graduate after 2014. Gant, McCray and Winovich are the only SAMs on the team after this season. That is if Gant and Winovich stay at SAM (which who knows for sure right now).

Also, with Furbush possibly bulking up and playing DE one day, the four LBs in the 2014 class could turn into three. I could see the coaches taking another three LBs in the 2015 class. It just depends on how everything works out.

“What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve and those who stay will be champions.” - Bo

I think he was projected to SAM, but I have seen him listed at both SAM and MIKE. I have him listed at SAM on my depth chart, but again I think that is where he was originally projected to play. We shall see this spring on where he will actually play hopefully.

“What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve and those who stay will be champions.” - Bo

I don't mean this as a way to put down Harris. I am asking, honestly, if he is that good to not take another runningback. I know I have repeatedly seen people on here post that we are light on running back depth and having a need for more runningbacks on the roster. I have to admit I am extremely ignorant when it comes to the depth issue, and what we need. I would think even if Harris is that good, he would not mind some competition.

While that might not have been the best decision in 2012, I don't think that necessarily applies to RB recruiting in 2014.

In '12, we only had Denard, Devin, and Bellomy at what's arguably the single most important position on the team. Today, we've got eight guys at RB or FB, and this doesn't include Drake Johnson. I can see that it's a nice insurance policy to sign a RB each year, but it seems to me that we're far from thin at that position now.

If there is in fact a decision to not offer a RB in '14, it could mean that the staff believes there will be no RBs transferring.

In the presser on the day he signed, Hoke specifically mentioned Shallman as a guy that could run the inside zone.

Also, I'm sure I disagree that Green and Smith are unproven. Do you mean they're unproven because they haven't had a big season in college football yet? By now, the coaches know the talent those guys have, and if they're not taking a back, they certainly trust them. And don't forget Hayes and Drake Johnson.

As for Houman, Kerridege, and Norfleet--I basically agree. I think 'Fleet is going to be our slot next year, and Houma and Kerridge are unlikely to carry the ball much, if at all. Rawls isn't gone yet, but he was buried on the depth chart anyway.

11 National Championships. 42 B1G Championships. Winningest program in college football. HAIL TO THE VICTORS

Shallman has been practicing at H-B and I am not sure he has the vision to run IZ effectively, and while Green and Smith have an upside, they spent their freshman year getting swarmed behind the LOS. Obviously the OL had something to do with it, but until they prove themselves, they will remain unproven players, albeit with potential.

I would be surprised to see the staff bank a scholarship for next year with such a small class this year. I think we'll see a signing day surprise taking an additional spot, and either McDowell or one of the RBs taking a spot.

11 National Championships. 42 B1G Championships. Winningest program in college football. HAIL TO THE VICTORS

Can anyone tell me if McDowell and Lawence Marshall are buds? I would really like to see him in a winged helmet. It's hard to imagine someone who has always been a Michigan fan to end up not going to the U of M. It pains me!

I don't believe he was transferring just to play with Marshall. The competition at Detroit Loyola (where he came from) was subpar, and I think he realized it would behoove him to play with and against better players.

It would be great to snatch a top quality running back in the 2014 class. I understand that recruiting is a pipeline of young men some of whom will under perform, some of whom will meet expectations, and some of whom will surprise all of us.

I also understand that in an ideal world, or maybe just in a sane world, Michigan will recruit a soild or maybe outstanding RB prospect in every recruiting class. I understand why building that kind of depth is important.

This year Michigan may not get that guy, which would suck at many levels, but we are looking at a team with an amazing amount of talent. A lot of young talent. Now the coaches have to season their players and either this year or next we'll all see an enormous resurgence.

To add a bit more to the speculation about Damien Harris - didn't he commit about the same time as a potential Leonard Fournette visit? Did he commit as part of an agreement with the staff not to take additional RBs? Was he relying on Borges' word? Is that why Borges' departure was so important to him? Is that why we are backing off our pursuit of other RBs?... ok, I'm done speculating and I have no evidence. It is an interesting series of coincidences, though. For what its worth, Harris is an amazing RB and I think it is worth it to accomodate him if he wants to be the only RB in 2014 and 2015. we have plenty of depth. we are, however, exposing ourselves to be victimized if he decommits. he seems like a pretty solid Michigan guy though (lifelong fan, etc.)

If these developments mean there will be no running back in Michigan’s recruiting Class of 2014, wouldn’t that be assuming some risks for Team 135?

Unless the coaches believe either (a) that Wyatt Shallman can move from fullback/H-back to tailback and become Michigan’s version of Eric Dickerson or Eddie George, or (b) that Ben Gedeon could play both ways even if he’ll likely be in the regular linebacker rotation, as of now it appears that the running back corps for Michigan Football Team 135 will include only Justice Hayes who will be a redshirt junior, Drake Johnson who will be considered a redshirt sophomore with a possible medical redshirt available and sophomores Derrick Green and DeVeon Smith.

In two seasons, Joe Kerridge has one carry for three yards and Sione Houma has no carries. While it’s possible, I think that it’s unrealistic to expect either of them to become part of the running back rotation.

If Drake Johnson is cleared to play and all four running backs stay healthy throughout the season, then not having a running back in the recruiting Class of 2014 might not be a serious problem. However, there’s always the risk of injury for running backs.

What are the options if one or two of the running backs go down with injuries next season? Dennis Norfleet and Jabrill Peppers running from the wildcat formation? An all-out passing attack? Break glass and convince Thomas Rawls to stick around for his senior year, in case of emergency?

Yes love the OSU stumbles. This recruiting thing reminds me of debating how much snow is gonna fall in Ann Arbor next January......who knows. Michigan is getting its share of quality players for sure! Now they gotta get them to play some winning football...thats the hard part....Maybe John Bellien needs to work with the football team some. My favortie coach from a psycological perspective to team sports? Far and away...Pete Carroll. (not debating the guys ethics here darlin).

Giants just announced RB's coach Jerald Ingram will not be retained. HE would be a great replacement to Fred one day. Coached 8 1,000 yd rushers during his 10 years in NY. Played for Michigan in the early 80's.